{ gemma }:
Gemma was busy reorganizing the singing bowl room when the bell above the front door chimed, causing her to peek over her shoulder. She wasn’t exactly sure who’d graced her presence until she heard his familiar voice. She spun around, tucking her hands into the front pockets of her apron. “Barely noticed you were gone,” Gemma shrugged, though her smile remained soft.
“Come on, all those months away and you expect me to believe you barely noticed me not being around?” He smirked, obviously teasing her as his gaze dropped down to her smile. “No hug or anything, Gem? Finally back in town, come see you first and this is the thanks I get!” Ali chuckled and turned toward the door. “Alright, I guess I’ll be on my way.”






